“In the past, we experienced some level of inconsistency with food preparation and service standards. This resulted in confusion and frustration for both our customers and staff who were sent to help out in other outlets. However, things are not the same now. With OJT blueprints, we are structured and consistent in our training. We set up every outlet with the same rigor; the leading team sets the standard and pace (according to the blueprint) for the rest to follow. Now, not only are we proud that we have established a service culture, the increase in compliments and reduction in complaints are also a treatment to the success of the project.”

“The Service Excellence training impressed me a lot. I used to be low self-esteem and had trouble talking to customers. But after the training, I gained confidence in being at the frontline. Listening to the trainer and watching the video helped me see new ways of handling situations and what approaches to take. In the past I would ask my colleagues about how to handle a problem, but after the training, I made my own decision to solve a customer’s problem. I saw the reaction of the customer. He was very happy with the way I handled it. Now I put myself in the patron’s shoes. I can help solve the problem.”

“Being “more forgiving” is one of the most direct outcomes for me in attending these workshops. I learned to be more empathetic to hear and learn about my client’s anxieties and circumstances first before judging – “We don’t know their stories. We need to put ourselves in their shoes…we also have to be mindful or our tone.” It is also important to approach my colleagues appropriately so as to avoid triggers that might cloud the issues at hand. I now choose to go for win-win outcomes as a priority and I am mindful of good practices in my interaction with others. I now have a mantra, which I gleaned from the workshops to guide me – “wiping off the coffee stain” – when one has drunk his coffee at a common area, he should be mindful enough to clean off the mug stain so as not to inconvenient the next person using the area. This illustrates the need to be other-centered and demonstrate ownership.”

“The Coaching sessions facilitate self-inquiry and understanding into my current role. Before each session, I will be given pointers to prepare, and during each session, Dr. Lee Tsao Yuan listens intently and sensitively to probe further. At the end of each session, I will be given reflection pointers to help guide me in the next sessions.

In my ending session, I was given a practical tool to guide me for the future.”